08.GOD USES EVEN SATAN TO GLORIFY GOD - Zac Poonen
Kakinada Meetings 2015: OVERCOMING THE RULER OF THIS WORLD
Summary
The sermon explores the concept that God can use even Satan's actions to ultimately glorify Himself, citing the Book of Job as a prime example. Job's initial righteousness was undermined by his pride in his own goodness, which God allowed Satan to expose. The speaker argues that God's ultimate plan works for good, even through apparent evil, drawing parallels to the crucifixion of Christ and the ministry of Paul, who remained silent about his heavenly visit as proof of divine restraint.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did God allow Satan to attack Job?In the Old Testament God generally protected His people from Satan, but He permitted Satan to severely test Job to humble him because Job was proud of his own goodness.
Job's self-righteousnessJob listed all his righteous deeds and how respected he was, revealing that while his actions were right, he had grown proud of his goodness.
Job's humble responseAfter the trials orchestrated by Satan, Job recognized God's greatness, declared himself insignificant, and put his hand over his mouth.
God uses Satan to teach His childrenJust as with Job, God uses the devil's evil actions to work for the good of His children and to accomplish His ultimate purposes.
The purpose of Paul's thorn in the fleshTo prevent Paul from becoming spiritually proud after experiencing heaven and performing mighty miracles, God allowed a messenger of Satan to buffet him with a physical illness.
God's grace is sufficientWhen Paul prayed three times for the sickness to be removed, God answered that His grace was sufficient and His power is made perfect in human weakness.
Serving God through illness and imprisonmentPaul preached the gospel through physical weakness in Galatia and continued writing letters of encouragement to churches even while locked up in Roman jails.Galatians 4:13
Circumstances turning out for the progress of the gospelPaul rejoiced in prison because his imprisonment actually made the cause of Christ well known throughout the praetorian guard and emboldened other believers.
Afflictions of the righteousThough the righteous face many afflictions, the Lord delivers them out of them all and makes everything work together for their good.Psalm 34:19
The martyrdom of StephenStephen was a young man full of grace and power who was dragged out and stoned to death by opponents who rejected his message.
God turns Stephen's death into goodThough Stephen died young, God used his dying prayer of forgiveness to deeply convict Saul of Tarsus, ultimately leading to Saul's conversion and apostolic ministry.
The Philippian Jailer's salvationWhen Paul and Silas were put in jail in Philippi, God used the situation to bring the jailer and his entire household to salvation.
All authority belongs to ChristWhatever the devil may do—whether sickness, poverty, imprisonment, or death—it will ultimately work to further God's purpose.
